Suspect detained after alleged threats cause lockouts at three Shoreline schools

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Kellogg Middle School and Hamlin Park
All perimeter doors were secured after school Thursday afternoon in a lockout at Kellogg Middle School, Briarcrest Elementary, and Shorecrest High School, after a Kellogg student allegedly made threats towards a school or individual at a school.

There were reports this person was trying to obtain a weapon. This person was seen near Kellogg at the end of the school day. Police responded and the subject was seen running into a wooded area.

Police focused their search is in the area of Kellogg and Hamlin Park. KCSO resources, including the Guardian One helicopter, were involved along with Shoreline Police.

The person was not found in the vicinity. However police followed investigative leads and apprehended a suspect. Law enforcement informed the school district that there was no credible threat.

However, Thursday evening activities at Kellogg and Shorecrest, including the SC Performing Arts Center, were cancelled.

All schools will continue on a normal schedule Friday. Out of an abundance of caution, there will also be additional police presence at Kellogg on Friday.



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Fruit tree and terrarium presentations at Sky this Saturday

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Saturday, January 30th 11:00am – 1:00pm
Fruit Tree Selection, Pruning, and Care - Charlie Shull

Hungry for summer?  You can grow apples, pears, peaches, even figs and persimmons in your own back yard!

Charlie will go over everything the beginning (or not-so-beginning) orchardist needs to know: where to site your trees, the best varieties for western Washington (and for you), how to plant, fertilize, prune your trees, and how to deal with common problems.

After the presentation, Charlie will be available to answer questions. Sky Nursery 18528 Aurora Ave N. Shoreline 98133 206-546-4851

Saturday, January 30th 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Terrariums:  Gardening in Glass - Hannah Dayley

Constructing a terrarium balances art and science.  You’re putting together a tiny low-input ecosystem—a mini desert (open terrarium for succulents and cacti) or rainforest floor (traditional globe type terrarium filled with humidity lovers).

Hannah will first explain the science of terrarium construction:  how to construct the base layers (gravel, charcoal, soil), how to choose plants suitable for your terrarium’s light level and style, how to plant them.

Then she’ll show you the art—how to select plants with complementary forms and colors and how to use decorative rocks, colored sand, and accents to add the finishing touches to your project. Sky Nursery 18528 Aurora Ave N. Shoreline 98133 206-546-4851



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Nominations open for Support Person of the Year - Shoreline Schools

2015 Support Person of the Year Gary Eneberg, 3rd from left
with school board and superintendent Miner, on right

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2016 Shoreline Public Schools Support Person of the Year.

Nominations may be made by staff, students, parents and other community members. Nominating a staff member is easy and can now be done online. Nominations for Support Person of the Year must be submitted using the Online Nomination Form or Paper Form by 5:00pm on Friday, February 5, 2016.

If you nominated someone last year who wasn't selected, please consider nominating them again.

If you have any questions about the form or process, contact Curtis Campbell, public information officer, at 206-393-4412.

The recipient of this year's award will be recognized at a reception prior to the March 14, 2016 School Board meeting. Support Staff Appreciation Week will be observed March 14-18.

The Support Person of the Year award has been made annually since 1998 and is selected by a committee of staff and community members from nominations received from around the District. The recipient also receives a professional development grant from the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation.



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Afghanistan: An Introduction to the People

Learn about the people of Afghanistan through images by photographer John Regan, a retired army officer who has lived, worked and traveled extensively in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan: An Introduction to the People, Saturday, January 30, 2-3:30pm, Shoreline Library, Large Meeting Room, 345 NE 175th.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Shoreline Library.




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Opera preview at Shoreline Library Thursday evening

Opera Preview: Mary Stuart/Maria Stuarda by Gaetano Donizetti, Thursday, January 28, 7-8:30pm at the Shoreline Library Large Meeting Room, 345 NE 175th.

This, the greatest of Donizetti's three "Tudor Queen" operas, was first performed in 1835. It is a not-very accurate retelling of the rivalry, both political and romantic, between Queen Elizabeth I of England and Mary Queen of Scots.

Some of the most exciting music Donizetti ever wrote was given to Mary/Maria as she battles for her life against the more powerful Elizabeth/Elisabetta. Mary/Maria's farewell to her friends and supporters will bring even a cynic to tears.

This free lecture, provided to increase enjoyment and appreciation of Seattle Opera productions, will feature speaker Norm Hollingshead with recorded musical excerpts.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Shoreline Library.




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Bethel Lutheran Celebration of Ministry Feb 21

Bethel Lutheran window

Celebration of Ministry - February 21, 10am, Bethel Lutheran Church, 17418 8th Ave NE, Shoreline.

Bethel Lutheran Church is well underway on transitioning to their new North City site (check out their Facebook page for updates).

As part of that process, a celebration of the former site's service to ministry will take place at 10am, February 21.

Bethel will begin to gather at the North City location the following week, and a community-wide celebration will be scheduled this summer once renovations of the new site are complete.


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Shorecrest swimmer named WIAA Athlete of the Week

Grant Heisey winning the 500 freestyle in the SC SW meet
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Each week throughout the school year, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) recognizes twelve varsity athletes, a male and a female from each of the six classifications, who exhibited an outstanding performance for the previous week.

Grant Heisey, a Senior from Shorecrest High School, was nominated by a community member and selected by WIAA staff as one of the Athletes of the Week for achievements in Swim and Dive. 
Heisey won the 200-yard freestyle, the 100 backstroke, and was a part of a winning relay team in dual meet wins over Archbishop Murphy and Anacortes.

In recognition of their accomplishment, each Athlete of the Week winner receives a congratulatory letter from WIAA Executive Director, Mike Colbrese, a commemorative WIAA State Athlete of the Week t-shirt, and a certificate. Winners are also posted to the WIAA website.



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Can you identify the person who robbed a Shoreline bank?



Detectives are asking for the public’s help identifying a man and woman who robbed the Heritage Bank in the 18800 block of 8th Ave NW in Shoreline around 4pm on Thursday, January 21st.

The bank is in the Richmond Village shopping center at 4-Corners.

Detectives said that a man entered the bank holding a handgun while his female accomplice stood watch at the entry door. The man pointed a gun as he entered the bank and said, “This is a robbery.” The man then demanded money from a clerk and fled with an undisclosed amount of money.

Witnesses saw and older white compact car leave the area right after the robbery. The vehicle was described as similar to an older Chevy Aveo or Nissan Versa.

The man was described as a white male, 25 to 30 years old, about 6’ tall, thin build, and was wearing a dark beanie with a Broncos emblem, a dark jacket and pants. The female is only described as wearing a dark colored jacket with fur lining around the hood, and Ugg style boots.

If you have information about this crime please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at 206-296-3311 or you can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 by calling Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477)

Case # C16-003853


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Jobs: Fiscal Analyst I for WSDOT in Shoreline

Northwest Region Financial Services Office in the Shoreline office is seeking to fill a Fiscal Analyst 1 position. This is an entry level position, where the future incumbent will perform tasks as assigned and necessary to maintain operational consistency. Tasks may be on a rotational or limited basis. 


Typical tasks would involve reviewing payment documents made by payment voucher or purchasing card for compliance with the Agency's payment and purchasing policies and procedures; validating expenditure codes using the agency's Chart of Accounts; verifying the accuracy of payment entries to invoices; processing corrections or expenditure coding; running canned (pre-built) reports. Other work activities include scanning, filing, and retrieving fiscal documents; keeping the departments incoming and outgoing mail and filing system orderly and well organized.

To perform these tasks will require learning various accounting and informational retrieval systems; processes and procedures; payment and purchasing rules and regulations, and the Agency's expenditure coding structure.

View the entire announcement and apply here: Fiscal Analyst 1



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Big Band Swing Dance Saturday at Shorecrest Commons

A Big Band Dance Tradition includes silhouettes of many of the musicians
  created by local artist Jil Scollard.
Photo by Barb Swan

Big Band Swing Dance, Saturday, January 30 in the Shorecrest Commons at Shorecrest High School, 15343 25th Ave NE, Shoreline 98155.

Dance Lessons courtesy The Savoy Swing Club, 6:30-7:30 only $6
Photo by Barb Swan

Bring your toe-twirling shoes and join in the fun! Whether you wish to dance, learn to dance or just want to enjoy some incredible live music, you will not want to miss this event!

  • Dance Lesson (Courtesy The Savoy Swing Club) 6:30–7:30pm ($6 for a 1-hour lesson)
  • The Big Band Swing Dance starts at 7:30 and featuring live music from three bands! The Kellogg Jazz Band, The Shorecrest Stage Band and the grand finale from the award winning Shorecrest Jazz Ensemble.

The Award Winning Shorecrest Jazz Ensemble will be playing a great mixture of classic jazz tunes
Photo by Barb Swan

Tickets are available at the door or at Brown Paper Tickets 

Ticket prices:

  • Adults $12 in advance / $15 at the door.
  • Students: $6 with ASB $8 without.
  • Swing Dance Lessons $6

A taste of the dance to get your toes tapping!



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Open House at St. Mark Parish School



St. Mark Parish School will hold an Open House on Sunday, January 31 from 9:00am to 1:00pm.

Parents, teachers, and students will be available to answer questions, the Robotics team will be running demonstrations and letting kids have some hands-on time with robots.

Computer lab and laptop bank will be up and running for more hands-on activities, the library will be open for tours, and Parents' Club will be serving free coffee and donuts too!

Serving grades Pre-K 3 and 4, full time Kindergarten, Elementary School, and Middle School; come and see the St. Mark Difference!

St. Mark Parish School, 18033 15th Place NE, Shoreline 98155, 206-364-1633.



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Einstein Middle School Assistant Principal selected

Einstein Middle School Assistant Principal
Rebbecah Emanuel
Following a thorough selection process, Rebbecah Emanuel has been offered and accepted the position of assistant principal at Einstein Middle School. The appointment is pending school board approval at their February 8 meeting.

“We are very excited to have Rebbecah filling the assistant principal position,” said Superintendent Rebecca Miner.

“Her performance in the selection process and her work experience left no doubt that she is a perfect fit for this important role.”

Superintendent Miner also expressed gratitude to all of the staff and community members who helped in the selection process by participating on interview panels and providing valuable input and perspectives.

Rebbecah joined Shoreline Public Schools in 2014 as the dean of students at Shorewood High School. She most recently served as the interim assistant principal at Einstein. She also has prior experience as a music teacher, leadership teacher, athletic/activities director and dean of students in Seattle Public Schools and spent a year teaching music in Quito, Ecuador.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in K-12 music education from Montana State University and master’s degree in classroom technology from Grand Canyon University. Rebbecah received her administrative certification from the University of Washington. She also holds other professional certifications from Washington State University and University of Washington.




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Spend An Evening in Paradise with LFP Rotary Club Mar 5

Tuesday, January 26, 2016



March 5 is the date for this year’s Lake Forest Park Rotary Club dinner and fundraising auction (silent and live). Festivities will begin at 5:30pm, at the Inglewood Golf Club in Kenmore.

Through the great generosity of sponsors, contributors and auction bargain seekers, this event will raise a large portion of the funds to support many local and international services during the year, including:

  • RotaCare Free Clinic and Dental Van in Lake City
  • Kellogg Middle School Hang Time after-school tutoring
  • Bread and produce delivery to area food banks
  • College scholarship awards for Shorecrest seniors
  • Holiday food baskets and toy drive
  • Market Bucks at the LFP Farmers Market
  • Backpacks for Shoreline District students in need
  • Food for Thought – weekend food packs for hungry students
  • Emergency services for North Helpline and Mary’s Place
  • Eagle Scout and Girl Scout Gold Award project assistance
  • Y-WE scholarships for Young Women Empowerment Training
  • POPY’s CafĂ© community meals
  • “Shop with a Cop” holiday shopping for children from low income families
  • Robotics and music programs in Shoreline District schools
  • Senior services and Meals on Wheels
  • Educational programs for children in Ethiopia
  • Rotary International’s program to eradicate polio worldwide

Non-club members are welcome! If you would like to share an enjoyable evening, get to know us better, bid on a fabulous array of auction items, AND support many programs and activities that are making a difference in our community, please consider joining us. Tickets are by advance sale while supply lasts. Contact info@lakeforestparkrotary.com.

Saturday, March 5, 2016, 5:30pm, Inglewood Country Club, Kenmore, $85 per person.



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Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council 2015-2016 Artists in Schools grants

The Artists in Schools Grants are awarded to PreK-12th grade teachers in the Shoreline School District and feature professional teaching artists working with students in the classroom. The projects take place during the 2015-2016 academic year with most taking place in late winter and spring.

Artists in Schools has been providing arts education throughout the district since 1993, with the majority of funding made possible through the Arts Council’s annual Gala for the Arts event and additional support from our partner, the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation, as well as government and foundation grants, and the community.

This year the Arts Council has funded $17,000 in Artists in Schools grants with 21 projects reaching thousands of students in 10 schools and programs.

2015-2016 Artists in Schools Grant Recipients

Shoreline Children's Center
  • Dance and Story Around the World – Pam Wright, Teacher and Karen Harp-Reed, Artist ($300)
  • Music to Enhance Social Skills – Willow Kelly, Teacher and Wendy Zieve, Artist ($476)
Brookside Elementary
  • Habitat – Kristin Vincini, Teacher and Ruth McRee, Artist ($310)
Echo Lake Elementary
  • Bringing Drama to Echo Lake – Andrew Lohman, Teacher and Melani Lyons and Melodee Miller, Artists ($2,000)
Highland Terrace Elementary
  • Celebrate Winter – Jeanine O’Connell, Teacher and Karin Chickadel, Artist ($710)
  • No Boundaries – Heidi Benton, Teacher and Alan King, Artist ($434)
  • Music to Enhance Social Skills – Karen Hogan, Erin Gross and Kelly Vihnanek, Teachers and Wendy Zeive, Artist ($1,020)
Lake Forest Park Elementary
  • Classic Chinese Landscape Painting – Mia Kelley, Teacher and Angie Dixon, Artist ($775)
  • Lake Forest Park Readers– Merrilyn Tucker, Teacher and Halinka Wodzicki, Art History Instructor and Charlie Capp, Artist ($1,400)
Meridian Park Elementary
  • Ancient China’s Legacy: Silk Scarf Dyeing – Kathleen DuCharme, Teacher and Carla Peery, Artist ($570)
  • Engaging K-6 in the Writing Process – Jenny Hillger, Teacher and Suzanne Williams & Dana Sullivan, Literary Artists ($841)
  • “Living Museum” Journals – Denise Peters, Teacher and Elsa Bouman, Artist ($700)
  • No Boundaries – Jean Phelan, Teacher and Alan King, Artist ($500)
  • Short Shakes – Hannah Peterson, Teacher and Emily Purington, Artist ($620)
  • Talking Stories – Sandi James, Teacher and Karen Harp-Reed, Artist ($675)
Syre Elementary
  • Dream Catcher – Jenny Hodgen, Teacher and Mona Fairbanks, Artist ($990)
  • Tea Overboard – Dede Ford, Teacher and Ruth McRee, Artist ($560)
Einstein Middle School
  • Biology and Botany – Deanna Baldi, Teacher and Stephanie Hargrave, Artist ($850)
Kellogg Middle School
  • One Love Festival – Alec Wilmart, Teacher and Chic Streetman, Artist ($500)
  • Weaving with Numbers – Linda Arnold, Teacher and Elsa Bouman, Artist ($714)
Shorecrest High School
  • Student Educator Program – Jeanette Derry, Teacher and Halinka Wodzicki, Art History Instructor ($2,000)
The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to nurture all of the arts in the community through programs and events, arts education, advocacy, and support for artists and arts organizations.



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RBCC Players Pirates of Penzance auditions

RBCC Players is a theater group based at Richmond Beach Congregational Church, corner of NW Richmond Beach Rd and 15th Ave NW.

RBCC Players' mission is outreach and fellowship through the theater arts and we are open to all church members and friends .... and that includes you if you have star dust in your eyes and a desire to perform.

We have been staging productions since 1984, including plays such as You Can't Take It With You,  The Odd Couple (female version), Nuncrackers and musicals including Annie, Guys and DollsMy Fair Lady, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Shrek the Musical, and The Drowsy Chaperon.

In 1984 and 1985 the first RBCC Players productions were Gilbert and Sullivan. RBCC is celebrating the church's 125th Anniversary this March and to mark RBCC Players' 32 years in the life of the church, we are staging Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance.

Open Auditions will be 9:30 - 10:30, Saturday, January 30 and Noon - 1:00, Sunday, February 7. Come prepared to sing something of your choice, bring music if you need accompaniment. The director will have people read from the script.  It is a safe and painless process.

Performances:  May 7, 8, May 13, 14, 15
Rehearsals:  beginning Feb 13
Saturdays - 9:30 to noon; Sundays - noon to 3:00; Mondays - 7:00 to 10:00
Dress Rehearsal Week: April 30 & May 1 - noon to 3:00;  May 2, 3 & 5 - 7:00 to 10:00
*not everyone will be called for every rehearsal, EVERYONE is called Dress Rehearsal Week

Everyone auditioning should bring their calendars to note any conflicts.
A final rehearsal schedule will be issued after casting.

Contact for more information



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2nd Annual Queer Film Festival at SCC starts Monday, Feb 1



Shoreline Community College is hosting its 2nd annual Queer Film Festival on campus throughout the month of February. The films kick off this Monday with Kumu Hina, a uniquely Hawaiian love story.

Kumu Hina will screen on Mon., February 1 at 12:30pm in the PUB Quiet Dining Room (9208), 16101 Greenwood Ave N. (campus maps). Small fee for parking on campus.

This event is free and open to all!



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Shorewood Wrestling Results 1/26

Shorewood 10 - Glacier Peak 70
@ Glacier Peak High School

106: Parker Hardy (GP) pinned Nick Lotz 0:51
113: Rhaye Samson (SW) pinned Gavin MacDonald 4:47
120: Josh Vail (GP) pinned Aidan Smith 2:43
126: Tony Molina (GP) maj. dec. Ruslan Bekniyazov 14-5
132: Hunter Cabrera (GP) pinned Tae Thongdee 4:56
138: Fidel Chishungu (SW) maj. dec. Tim Mandzyuk 10-1
145: Kyle VanDriessche (GP) pinned Alex Olivera 3:39
152: Mitchell Hines (GP) pinned Shay O'Leary 1:27
160: Ricky Kranz (GP) pinned Philip Ball 3:02
170: Mats Haneberg (GP) pinned Esdras Valladares 1:59
182: Derek Albretch (GP) win by forfeit
195: Micah Palmaffy (GP) pinned Troy Halloway 2:29
220: Lucas Wheeler (GP) pinned Brandon Hernandez 2:24
285: Jesse Gere (GP) pinned Japhet Valladares 2:46

--Clark Norton



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Applications being accepted for Shoreline Library Board and PRCS/Tree Board


The City of Shoreline is now accepting applications for volunteers to serve on the Library Board and the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/Tree (PRCS) Board. Board Members must live, work or own property in the City of Shoreline and are appointed by the City Council to serve four-year terms.

The Library Board acts as a liaison to the King County Library System Board of Trustees, the City Council and the citizens of Shoreline. It provides information, makes recommendations, promotes programs and reviews library policies. Meetings are held bi-monthly. There are currently openings for four (4) adult Board Members.

The PRCS/Tree Board advises the City Council and City staff on a variety of parks, recreation, public art, and environmental issues. Meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of each month from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at City Hall. There is currently an opening for one (1) adult member to serve one year of an unexpired term followed by a regular four-year term.

Those interested in being considered must complete a Shoreline Community Services Application [PDF]. Paper copies are available in the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall (17500 Midvale Ave N) and at the Spartan Recreation Center (202 NE 185th St). Completed applications must be submitted to the City Clerk’s office no later than 5:00pm on Friday, February 26, 2016.

Contact the Parks Department at 206-801-2623.



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University Link light rail extension opens March 19

University Link Sound Transit station

Sound Transit announced Tuesday the University Link light rail extension will open to passenger service on Saturday, March 19, six months ahead of schedule and more than $150 million under budget.

“University Link opens March 19th, changing forever how we move around Seattle,” said Sound Transit Board Chair and King County Executive Dow Constantine. “With fast, frequent trains bypassing some of the region's worst traffic, thousands of people will now be able to get to work, school and appointments on time, every time.”

The 3.1-mile extension of the current light rail line that opened in 2009 includes stations on Capitol Hill and at the University of Washington near Husky Stadium. The trip from UW to downtown Seattle will take eight minutes, bypassing some of the most congested traffic in the region.

Through the efforts of U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, a senior member of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, and other congressional leaders, Sound Transit secured an $813 million federal grant for the $1.8 billion project.

“As the Puget Sound region continues to grow, we need to make transportation investments that make our communities more livable, create jobs, improve access to education centers, and support our local small businesses,” Sen. Murray said. 
“That's why I am so thrilled to see Sound Transit reach this milestone on this important project for commuters and communities, and it’s why I am going to keep fighting for local investments like these that help our economy grow from the middle out.”


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Five Cities unite to support Sound Transit projects in North King County

These five cities sent a joint letter to the Sound Transit Board
in favor of north end transit projects

Rallying for essential north King County transportation projects and bus rapid transit service, mayors from five cities signed a letter to the Sound Transit Board of Directors.

The letter — bearing the logos of Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell, and Woodinville — voiced support for three key transit projects for the Sound Transit 3 (ST3) ballot measure.

Currently, Sound Transit is in the process of evaluating a large list of candidate projects and deciding which projects to include in its ST3 final system plan.

The three projects highlighted in the letter focus on relieving congestion and adding bus rapid transit along the State Route 522 (Bothell Way) and NE 145th Street corridor.

As the joint letter states, “SR 522/NE 145th Street is a major east-west transit corridor that is a key to connecting riders to the light rail spine and making the overall transit system work — building a complete network that ensures transit system success.”

The SR 522/NE 145th Street corridor is already a well-traveled route, connecting north end communities to major regional employment centers in Seattle and on the Eastside, and SR 522 is currently projected to carry 20 percent of cross-lake trips by 2040.

Click to read the joint five-city letter to Sound Transit.

The first project would establish a continuous Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line along SR 522 / NE 145th St, connecting north King County residents to the future Shoreline light rail station at I-5 and 145th Street set to open in 2023. The second project asks Sound Transit to build structured parking facilities along the SR 522 corridor, while the third calls for a study of the corridor for future light rail implementation.

The mayors agreed these vital projects make sense for north King County and for the sustainable growth of the entire region. They cited the economic cost, existing infrastructure and rapid projected completion dates which will serve as an early win for Sound Transit.

In addition, the letter states, these projects have a low cost-per-rider and have strong multi-jurisdictional support. This letter follows in the wake of a rare joint city council meeting held Tuesday, January 12. Four city councils—those of Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, and Bothell —as well as the mayor of Woodinville -- met at Kenmore City Hall to express support for the ST3 projects. Also present at the meeting were two Sound Transit Board Members — King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci and Issaquah Mayor Fred Butler — and Sound Transit staff.

There was also a strong turnout from 522 Transit Now!, a local, grass-roots coalition that formed in support of transit projects along the SR 522 corridor.

Balducci described the meeting in a Facebook post as “an amazing, and possibly unprecedented, gathering.” 
Kenmore Mayor David Baker added, “The overwhelming support we heard for these transit projects from everyone involved was truly inspiring. Our communities have demonstrated that they know there’s a need here and that we are committed to working with Sound Transit to find a solution.”

Sound Transit plans to take ST3 funding package before voters in November 2016.



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46th Democrats debate watching party Feb 11 at Hellbent Brewing Company

The 46th LD Democrats are hosting a debate watching party at Hellbent Brewing Company on February 11th at 5:30pm. There will be a food truck on the premises and enough debate bingo cards for everyone (with prizes for the winners), so feel free to bring a friend!

Debate Watching Party at theHellbent Brewing Company, 13035 Lake City Way NE. February 11th 5:30-8pm. The debate starts at 6pm, but doors open at 5:30pm.



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What does Fire Benefit Charge mean for Shoreline property owners in 2016?

On Jan. 23, 2016, Matt Cowan, Fire Chief of Shoreline Fire Department, talks about what the Shoreline community can expect from the fire benefit charge that voters in his Fire District supported on the August 4, 2015 ballot. He thinks the fire benefit charge is a solution for diversifying his Fire District’s operating budget.

By Gabriella Neal

In addition to the existing fire levy tax, a fire benefit charge approved by voters in August will appear on Shoreline property tax bills in 2016.

But for the typical homeowner, the dollar amount of the two combined will likely be lower than the existing levy, while commercial­ property owners may be charged more under the benefit charge that is based on the size and risk factors of a location.

A fire benefit charge is a fee that is determined by the amount of risk that a building poses and by the amount of square footage of a building. It is not assessed on property value. The higher the risk, the larger the fire ­benefit charge.

Shoreline residents received a letter from the Shoreline Fire Department on January 15, explaining the changes and how they will be calculated. Funds from the fire benefit charge will go toward the district’s emergency­ service operating expenses.

According to a Shoreline Fire Department fact sheet, the owner of a a 1,520 ­square­ foot house is currently paying $312 in taxes. With the fire benefit charge and a lower levy the combined amount becomes $238.

“The fire benefit charge is a per square foot charge on a property owner’s building,” said Matt Cowan, fire chief of Shoreline Fire Department. “It’s basically a charge that quantifies the risk of a structure,” telling us the amount of resources the department needs to fight a potential fire at a building.
“It is a more accurate representation of the need for what that structure requires,” Cowan said.

Curtis Campbell, Shoreline Public Schools information officer, said Shoreline Public School building structures are exempt from fire­ benefit charges. Places of worship are also exempt.

Before approval of the fire benefit charge, the fire department was funded primarily by a fire ­tax levy, a type of property tax. The fire benefit charge is now an alternate source of revenue for the fire department, combined with a decreased fire tax levy.

The current fire tax levy capped rate of $1.50 will drop to $1.00 per $1,000 of assessed value, and the fire department plans to make up for the 50 cents loss of revenue with the fire benefit charge. As a result, commercial property owners will likely pay more of the fire benefit charge and homeowners will pay less. With the fire benefit charge in place, it is believed that costs will be more appropriately distributed, said Cowan.  

“The biggest point is probably that the fire benefit charge will still be a minor source, equating to 50 cents and the fire tax levy will account for $1.00 or 67 percent,” said Cowan.

The fire benefit charge is the solution to providing the funding necessary to sustain the fire department in the long run, said Allen Alston, citizen member of the fire department’s long-range planning committee. The committee is a group of fire commissioners and citizens who consider the fire district’s long­term operational and capital needs.

The fire benefit charge is not a permanent measure, as citizens have the ability to discuss the benefit charge at annual public meetings and to re­authorize it every six years.



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Correction: Parks Board agenda

In the previous post about the Parks Board meeting Thursday, the topic of possible school district reclamation of two parks properties - Paramount Park and Sunset Park - was listed.

This is not correct. It is not on the agenda. It was brought up in the staff documents, apparently as something that the Parks Board members should keep in mind.

There are no current plans to reclaim the properties, which are former school building sites and are owned by the school district.


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Beach Eats: A Dinner and Wine Valentine


First stop: assorted hors d’oeuvres prepared by
Richmond Beach’s Chef Ken’s Catering
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Romance is in the air and Richmond Beach Community Association has the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for that special person in your life. We’ve teamed up with a couple of fine dining restaurants in Richmond Beach to bring you a unique progressive dinner featuring food and wine pairing on Thursday, February 18.

Start at Tradewinds Capital Management (next to Hill’s) for assorted hors d’oeuvres prepared by Richmond Beach’s Chef Ken’s Catering and paired with wine from Elevation Cellars.

Streetzeria for the main course
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Move onto Streetzeria for your main course—a salad of Forest Mushrooms Marinated in Corto Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Fresh Herbs, Baby Lettuce Cups and Kale Crisps accompanied by Chicken Served Cacciatore Style over Fresh Linguine and local herbs and paired with wine from Klinker Brick Winery.

And for the grand finale at Hill’s Restaurant / Bar, experience a decadent and divine Chocolate Lava Cake with fresh whipped cream and mint paired with a port wine from Real Companhia Velha Winery.

Treat your sweetheart to a fun evening with gourmet food and distinctive premium wines, and enhance your food and wine pairing knowledge. Grab some friends and sign up as a group or come alone and make new friends. Volunteer guides will lead intimate groups of up to 10 people on this walking tour to the three adjacent locations starting at 6:00, 6:30, 7:00 or 7:30pm.

At Hill's experience a decadent and divine Chocolate Lava Cake
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

The event is limited to no more than 10 people per start time for a total of 40 people. The cost for this incredible evening is $78 per person. If you eliminate the tax and gratuity included in the price, that’s only $60 for a four-course meal, three glasses of premium wine, information on food and wine pairing from winery representatives and a guided tour with volunteers ready to make it a fun and memorable evening.

Register now to reserve your place. The last Beach Eats event sold out a month in advance. Sign up and pay online. Indicate that you are registering for the February 18 Beach Eats and check your desired start time. After your registration is received, you will receive confirmation by email, including parking instructions.



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The Birds of Hillwood - Learn to identify local birds


HIllwood Community Network is presenting a class on backyard bird watching.

One of the problems with trying to identify birds in your own garden is that when you look them up there are many that you will never see because they don't live here! We have a great video for you that shows local birds, two videos actually. One was filmed on Whidbey Island, the other in Edmonds.

The class will cover bird identification, how to attract birds to your yard, feeder care, and lots of web based info. Join us for a pleasant evening with your neighbors. FREE! Light refreshments.

For more info call 546-5430 or email myhillwoodmail@gmail.com.

Back Yard Birding Class: The Birds of Hillwood
Saturday, January 30, 6:30 to 8:30pm
Calvin Presbyterian Church, 18826 3rd Ave NW


Do you live in Hillwood? It's the orange area on the map.



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Public invited to a tour of Fircrest

Fircrest Activities Building

The public is invited for a tour of The Fircrest activities building. Jeff Flesner, the new Superintendent at Fircrest will be showing us what is inside this gem of a building, and answering any questions we may have about being able to use it.

Inside will be a rare chance to see the basketball court, gym, stage, bleachers, meeting rooms, kitchen, banquet room, and the two swimming pools (currently closed).

A large field is next to the building

Also, next to the Activities building is a very large field that could make a beautiful garden.

February 9th at 4:00pm - Meet in front of the activity building.

Directions to the Fircrest activities building: go straight through the main gate of Fircrest, take a sharp left and the activities building is on the right.

FIRCREST RHC, 15230 15th NE, Shoreline 98155.



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Ridgecrest Public House Week Food Truck Schedule


Ridgecrest Public House Week Food Truck Schedule

The Ridgecrest Public House at 5th NE and NE 165th sponsors food trucks outside their business most weekdays.

Those over 21 are welcome to bring their food inside the Pub to eat.

The winter hours are 5-8pm. When the weather gets better, the hours will be extended and outdoor seating will be available.

Tuesday 26th: Bread / Circuses
Sandwiches: burger, roast port, salmon reuben, chicken, tofu taco, and fried Brussel sprout caesar

Wednesday 27th: NO TRUCK SCHEDULED

Thursday 28th: The Peach / The Pig
Pulled pork, grilled chicken, or mushroom sandwiches, meatballs and mushrooms, prawn salad, beer

Friday 29th: Streetzeria
Italian food, salads, salads on flatbread, 11 different pizzas

Saturday 30th: Off the Rez
Tacos (pulled pork indian, beef chili indian, chicken chili verde), Quinoa Succotash. Indian as in Native American

Sunday 31st: Yummy Box
Asian food: pork stew, bacon burger, Indonesian beef, popcorn chicken, chicken curry, fried noodles.



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Shoreline City Manager report from January 18, 2016

City Manager Update – January 18, 2016
Shoreline City Manager Debbie Tarry


Follow-Up from January 11 Council Meeting
City/Ronald Wastewater District (RWD) Assumption Plan: Deputy Mayor Winstead asked about the current RWD reserve levels. The following is a response from General Manager Mark Gregg: Cash balance is about $3.9 million, which is slightly above the target at assumption. We are managing to that level, although we may dip under it briefly in the first part of 2016 as we pay for the 2 lift station refurbishments that have been contracted out. After that, it is anticipated that positive cash flow will bring us back above the target level and we will remain at or above until assumption, barring unforeseen circumstances.

Important Meetings This Week
·         Joint Five City Council Meeting: On Tuesday night, we had five councilmembers attend the Five City Joint Meeting regarding ST3 candidate projects and specifically the 145th St (SR 523)/SR 522 Bus Rapid Transit corridor improvements and service. There was great representation from all the cities, and ST Board Members Butler and Balducci appreciated hearing the unified request that these projects be included in the ST3 ballot measure. Mayors from the five cities will sign a letter to Sound Transit (draft letter).
·         Sound Transit - On Friday I met with Rod Kempkes (Corridor Design Manager) and Ahmad Fazel (Executive Director of Design, Engineering and Construction Management) to discuss the partnership between Sound Transit and Shoreline as design and construction of the stations in Shoreline moves forward.
·         Evans School of Public Policy and Governance (UW): On Wednesday evening, I had the opportunity to present on the topic of Politics and Practice of Council-Manager Government to approximately 25 students in the Urban Affairs – Municipal Management class.

Economic Development
·         Bethel Lutheran Church: Dan Eernissee spoke with the broker who helped the Bethel Lutheran sell its facility on 175th between the library and North City.
·         The facility was purchased by the Buddha Jewel Monastery, which will apparently be moving its northwest location from the Rainier Valley to Shoreline.
·         The Lutheran Church, meanwhile, has purchased the yoga center building in North City -- it is south of Easy Monkey Tap House.
·         Orange Theory: Deputy Mayor Winstead got word that Orange Theory, located in the Gateway Plaza, will have their grand opening on February 25, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Should be lots of excitement with Trader Joe’s opening the next morning at 8:00 a.m.!

2016 Legislative Session
·         AWC City Action Conference, January 27-28: (Agenda) Currently Mayor Roberts and Councilmembers Hall and McGlashan are planning to attend.
·         SB6314, County Roads Efficiency Bill: On Thursday we received notice from King County that this bill was introduced to the Senate. The county is seeking a number of roads related administration and maintenance efficiencies to reduce their cost of the county road system. (Flier). This includes segments of 145th from SR 522 to Aurora and 205th. We are very disappointed that there was no discussion between the County and affected cities prior to the introduction of the bill. Companion HB2590 was introduced in the House. Representatives Moscoso, Rodne, Clibborn, Standford, and Springer are the House sponsors and Senators Fain and Mullet are the Senate sponsors. The orphan roads language is in section 4 of this link http://app.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=6314&year=2015. Staff will be following up with the County on this proposal.
·         SB6115, Cap on Water/Sewer Utility Tax Rates: Senator Chase has introduced SB6115, which was up for hearing on Monday, January 18. The bill would limit water and sewer utility tax rates to six percent and require any city that has a rate greater than this reduce it annually until the rate is down to six percent. Although the City of Shoreline does not currently assess a utility tax on water and sewer utilities, several cities throughout the State have utility tax rates substantially higher than six percent. The 2014 AWC fee survey lists cities and their water/sewer utility tax rates.

145th Subarea Plan Schedule
Staff has outlined the following schedule for moving forward with the 145th Subarea Plan. This schedule assumes selection of a Preferred Alternative that requires minimal new analysis and that the Planning Commission and City Council complete their decision-making during the allotted meetings.
·         February 18: Planning Commission meeting: Discuss two white papers produced by OTAK- Geotechnical Considerations for High Groundwater or Peat Conditions, and Station Subarea Wetlands Assessment
·         March 3: Planning Commission meeting: Update on 145th Street Corridor Study
·         March 17: Planning Commission meeting: Discuss zoning scenarios analyzed in DEIS and any potential modifications based on information from white papers or Corridor Study
·         April 7: Planning Commission meeting: Recommend Preferred Alternative zoning scenario (it is possible this recommendation could happen at the end of the March 17 meeting, but this date is reserved if any of the previous topics take more time than anticipated)
·         May 2: City Council meeting: Council selects Preferred Alternative for analysis in FEIS
·         May-June- OTAK produces FEIS (timeframe will depend on whether there is additional analysis with regard to zoning scenarios from DEIS)
·         April 21, May 5 & 19, June 2 & 16- Planning Commission meetings: Discussion of Development Code amendments for 145th Station Subarea- number of meetings dependent on amendments proposed
·         June-July- OTAK produces Subarea Plan, staff creates Planned Action Ordinance, Planning Commission reviews
·         August 4- Planning Commission Study Session on ordinances
·         August 18- Planning Commission public hearing on ordinances
·         September 12- Council Study Session on ordinances
·         September 26- Council adoption of ordinances

This and That
·         We received notice from the Liquor Cannabis Board of another marijuana retail license application – BCD Enterprises. The proposed location is 16053 Aurora Ave N, Suite B. This is the location and owner of the current collective garden – A Greener Today. This is more than 1,000 feet from any other retail establishment. Currently the state has allocated a total of four retail licenses to Shoreline – so there are more license applications in process than the state’s allotment at this time.
·         We have scheduled a meeting with Seattle District 5 Councilmember Debora Juarez, for Friday, January 29. Councilmember Juarez’s district abuts 145th Street.



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Kagi says prospects for Child-Access Prevention Act not promising

By Evan Smith

State Rep. Ruth Kagi says that she is not optimistic about prospects for a state Child-Access Prevention Act.

The State House Judiciary Committee held a hearing Thursday, January 21, on the Kagi-sponsored Child-Access Prevention bill and four other bills aimed at firearm safety.

The bill would create the crime of child endangerment due to unsafe storage of a firearm when a person stores or leaves the firearm in a place they know or should know is accessible to a child and the child does harm with the unsecured gun.

Judiciary Committee Democrats pointed out before the hearing that the bill would not mandate how a firearm should be stored — just that adults take the responsibility for storing their guns so that young children or troubled teens can’t get easy access to the guns.

Kagi said Saturday that she intends to continue to try to get the votes to get the bill out of committee but that it is not looking promising.

She said that the bill, HB 1747, had a very good hearing.

“The testimony from parents, public health officials, police officers and prosecutors all clearly showed the need for this legislation and the terrible price we are paying for allowing children and youth to access guns in their homes,” Kagi said. “The NRA remains adamantly opposed to the bill, but the hearing was very different than two years ago.
“There were many more citizens there in support of the bill, which I believe reflects growing public support of reasonable gun safety legislation. The public is demanding that the legislature take action to protect our children.”

Democrat Kagi added,

“Bi-partisan support is critical to the bill moving forward, and it does not appear that one Republican is willing to vote for it. It is extraordinarily frustrating to see Washington state unable to pass such common-sense legislation when 28 other states already have child-access prevention laws in place."

Kagi represents the 32nd Legislative District, including Shoreline, part of northwest Seattle, Lynnwood, Woodway and nearby unincorporated areas, and parts of Edmonds and Mountlake Terrace. She is chairwoman of the House committee on early learning and human services.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.



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Ask The Bird Lady: What birds are in Paramount Park?

Pileated woodpecker
Photo by Craig Kerns

Do you have a question for Christine Southwick, The Bird Lady? Send it to us.

Reader Chuck Dolan asks:

Could you give me a sense of diversity of birds found in and around Paramount Park. Heard rumors of barred owls, I would guess pileated woodpeckers but can you confirm and mention any others of note.

Christine Southwick's answer:

Greetings Chuck,

First there are two Paramount Park areas: Paramount School Park, and Paramount Open Space.

The school park is a large, open, heavily-used park that gets robins, starlings and gulls plus other fly-overs. It is a park built upon school property, so at some time in Shoreline's growing future, it could revert back to a school structure.

The second park area is an open space with trails; a reasonably large natural pond which is part of the Thornton Creek watershed; lots of trees and bushes, and one or two benches. It is a place where people can feel like they are surrounded by nature, and able to see wildlife, less than a block from NE 145th Street. (located at 946 NE 147th Street (drive on 10th from NE 155 and turn left on 147th)

There are a variety of local birds that use this area: both Black-capped and Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Spotted Towhees, Song Sparrows, Bewick's Wrens, Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets, Steller's Jays (and probably a crow or two), American Robins.

Pileated Woodpeckers use this area, judging by the elongated holes, therefore I would assume Downy and Hairy also use it at times. Mallards have been seen on the pond, and at least one Barred Owl hunts here (maybe it will take the Eastern Gray Squirrels). I would think that at certain seasons other ducks would also stop here. This looks like a good pond for turtles, but I haven't looked for them.

Since river otters have been seen at nearby Twin Ponds, I wouldn't be surprised if one occasionally checks out this pond. Any wooded wet area in Shoreline should have salamanders, probably frogs (hopefully chorus), and  of course traveling raccoons, and an occasional opossum.



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Inattentive driver takes out telephone pole and power to Echo Lake residents

Monday, January 25, 2016

The damaged pole, left is strapped to the new pole.
At this time, the damaged conduit had not been repaired.
Photo by Robert Dinse

After an inattentive driver ran into a telephone pole on 5th NE around 10am Monday morning, poles were leaning, wires were down and power was out for a section of the Echo Lake Neighborhood near Holyrood Cemetery in Shoreline.

The driver was transported to the hospital with minor injuries and the car was towed.

5th NE was closed between NE 195th and NE 205th, and a section of 6th NE was also closed while City Light crews worked to replace the power pole. Roads were reopened to traffic at 2:30pm.



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Muscular Dystrophy Association moves to Mountlake Terrace


The Muscular Dystrophy Association moved north to Mountlake Terrace beginning January 11, 2016.

MDA-Western Washington has resided downtown near South Lake Union for eight years. The new office space means improved family support and decreased overhead so that more funds go directly towards research, services and support for those with ALS, Muscular Dystrophy and other related muscle diseases.

Executive Director Whitney McIlwain shares "we are thrilled to move to our new office, for ease of access for our families, supporters and staff and to better support our mission.
"We look forward to connecting with the Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood and Edmonds community to build strong partnerships for our families that live their lives with muscle disease every day. "

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is dedicated to saving and improving the lives of people with muscle disease, including muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and related neuromuscular diseases. It does so by funding research to find treatments and cures; by providing comprehensive health care services and support to MDA families nationwide; and by rallying communities to fight back through advocacy, fundraising and local engagement.

Muscular Dystrophy Association - Western Washington
21905 64th Ave W Ste 301B
Mountlake Terrace 98043



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Death notices as of January 21, 2016

Obituaries are condensed biographies of people's lives, written by the people who loved them. Like a memorial service, they tell us things we may not have known about the person, and may leave us wishing we had known them better.

Obituaries from The Seattle Times


Patricia Anderson Gebert  1920-2015  Lake Forest Park resident died in her sleep at the age of 95. Worked in the Boeing Everett plant as a riveter during WW II - one of the so-called "Rosie the Riveter" women. A licensed seaplane pilot, she married a career Naval officer and they lived in Germany, Turkey, and many locations in the US. An artist, she worked in a gallery in Santa Barbara, California.

Jamie Stamper  1953-2015  Graduate of Shoreline High School, attended Seattle U, and worked for Boeing before moving to California.

Richard Josephson  Age 84  In 1962 he worked for the Shoreline School District and established and organized the data processing system. Lived in Shoreline for 43 years before moving to Bellingham in 1999.

William Michael Phennah, Jr  1951-2015  Shoreline resident died in his sleep. He graduated from Ingraham and worked as a machinist and in construction. Loved sports and golf.

Daniel Ray Arntson  1958-2015  Grew up in Shoreline and graduated from Shorecrest in 1978. Retired after 20 years in the Air Force and returned to Shoreline where he worked for Alaska Airlines, Port of Seattle, and Comcast.

William "Bill" Currie  1925-2015  In 1957 he designed and built his home in Lake Forest Park. He was retired from Honeywell Marine, where he was an acoustical engineer. He was in the Navy for two years during WW II.

Dorothy Storseth  1919-2016  A devoted and active member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Shoreline since 1953, she served on many committees and was Wedding Coordinator for many years.

Greg "Gibby" Gibson  1979-2016  Died in a house fire in Shoreline with his dog Nino at his side. "Greg was the heart and soul of punk rock in the Seattle/Puget Sound area and beyond for nearly 20 years. He started as a drummer in his "Quicktips" band, and later "Can't Complain", then "Mind Candy" and other local bands. This all evolved into what became his life's passion, Local Chaos Productions." Family asks that in his honor, you make sure you have working smoke alarms in your home.

Marjorie Ann "Marge" Bollinger  1930-2015  Services were held at St. Mark's and burial at Holyrood for Marge Bollinger, who died peacefully, surrounded by her family.



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